Dynamic random access memory device and method of manufacturing

ABSTRACT

Each memory cell of a dynamic random access memory comprises a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, one and the other impurity regions of a second conductivity type, a gate electrode, a capacitor impurity region of the first conductivity type, and a capacitor electrode. The semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type comprises a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface. One and the other impurity regions are formed spaced apart from each other in the semiconductor layer so as to define a channel region with a channel surface being a part of the first surface of the semiconductor layer. The gate electrode is formed on the channel surface through a gate insulating film. The capacitor impurity region is formed opposing to the channel region, near the second surface of the semiconductor layer and having a concentration higher than that of the semiconductor layer. The capacitor electrode is formed on the capacitor impurity region through a dielectric film. Reduced surface area occupied by each memory cell comprising a field effect transistor and a capacitor enables miniaturization of the memory cell. Electric charges generated by the impact ionization phenomenon are stored in the capacitor, so that a power consumed in a writing operation of data can be reduced.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dynamic random access type ofsemiconductor memory devices and a method of manufacturing thereof, andmore particularly, semiconductor memory devices having memory cellsstructured by a single field effect transistor and a single capacitor,for example, dynamic random access memory (referred to as DRAMhereinafter) and a method of manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Background Art

DRAM is already well known as shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. No.4,112,575. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing one example of an entirestructure for a conventional DRAM.

Referring to FIG. 9, the DRAM comprises a memory cell array 1000including a plurality of memory cells as a memory portion, a row decoder2000 and a column decoder 3000 connected to address buffers forselecting an address of a memory cell, and an input/output interfaceportion including a sense amplifier connected to an input/output circuitThe plurality of memory cells of the memory portion are provided inmatrix of a plurality of rows and columns. Each memory cell is connectedto a corresponding word line connected to the row decoder 2000 and acorresponding bit line connected to the column decoder 3000, therebyforming the memory cell array 1000. A single word line and a single bitline are respectively selected from the row decoder 2000 and the columndecoder 3000 by receiving externally applied row address signal andcolumn address signal, thereby selecting a memory cell. Data is writteninto the selected memory cell or the data stored in the memory cell isread out. Instructions of the data writing/reading are given by awriting/reading control signal applied to a control circuit.

Data is stored in the memory cell array 1000 of N (=n×m) bits. Addressinformation of a memory cell to which writing/reading is performed isstored in the row and column address buffers. Memory cells of m bits arecoupled to the sense amplifiers through bit lines by a selection of aparticular word line (selection of a single word line among n wordlines) by means of the row decoder 2000. Then, one of the senseamplifiers is coupled to the input/output circuit by a selection of aparticular bit line (selection of a single bit line among m bit lines)by means of the column decoder 3000, so that writing or reading isperformed in accordance with instructions of the control circuit.

FIG. 10 is an equivalent circuit showing a memory cell 100 of aconventional DRAM illustrated for explaining writing/reading operationof a memory cell. According to the drawing one memory cell 100 comprisesa pair of field effect transistor Q and a capacitor Cs. A gate electrodeof the field effect transistor Q is connected to a word line 200, one ofsource/drain electrodes is connected to one electrode of the capacitorCs, and the other of the source/drain electrodes is connected to a bitline 300. In data writing, the field effect transistor Q is renderedconductive by an application of a predetermined voltage to the word line200, so that electric charges applied to the bit line 300 is stored inthe capacitor Cs. On the other hand, in data reading, the field effecttransistor Q is rendered conductive by the application of apredetermined voltage to the word line 200, so that the electric chargesstored in the capacitor Cs is read out through the bit line 300.

FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing a plane arrangement of a memorycell array portion of a conventional DRAM having a folded bit linestructure. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along a line XII--XII ofFIG. 11.

A structure and an operation of a conventional memory cell will bedescribed in the following with reference to these drawings.

One memory cell is structured by an n channel MOS transistor and acapacitor formed on a major surface of a p type silicon substrate 101.The n channel MOS transistor comprises a gate electrode 103, and n+impurity diffusion regions 104a and 104b which are to be source anddrain regions. The n+ impurity diffusion regions 104a and 104b areformed spaced apart from each other on the major surface of the p typesilicon substrate 101 so as to define a channel region with a channelsurface being a part of the major surface of the silicon substrate 101.The gate electrode 103 is formed on the channel region through a gateoxide film 121. Each of the n+ impurity diffusion regions 104a and 104bis isolated between the adjacent MOS transistors through a silicon oxidefilm 102 for isolation. The gate electrode 103 is formed as a word line.A capacitor electrode 106 is formed so as to connect with the n+diffusion region 104a through a capacitor oxide film 107 as a dielectricfilm. A bit line 110 is connected to the n+ impurity diffusion region104b through a contact hole 109. An interlayer insulating film 108 isformed between the bit line 110, the word line 103 and the capacitorelectrode 106.

Writing operation using a memory cell structured as the foregoing willbe described. First, in writing "1" operation, a predetermined voltageis applied beforehand to the n⁺ impurity diffusion region 104b throughthe bit line 110. Then, the n channel MOS transistor is turned on by theapplication of a predetermined voltage to the gate electrode 103. As aresult, electrons in the n+ impurity diffusion region 104a are drawn outto the n⁺ impurity diffusion region 104b side, as indicated by an arrowA of FIG. 12, whereby a potential of the n+ impurity diffusion region104a is raised to be the same as that of the n⁺ impurity diffusionregion 104b. Since the n⁺ impurity region 104a is structured so as tooppose to the capacitor electrode 106, electric charges induced by thecapacitor electrode 106 are increased as a rise of the potential of then⁺ impurity diffusion region 104a. This state is stored in a memory cellas data of "1".

In writing "0" operation, the potential of the n⁺ impurity diffusionregion 104b is set to 0V through the bit line 110. The n channel MOStransistor is turned on by an application of a predetermined voltage tothe gate electrode 103. At this time, since the potential of the n⁺impurity diffusion region 104a is higher than the potential of the n⁺impurity diffusion region 104b, as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 12,electrons are injected from the n⁺ impurity diffusion region 104^(b) tothe n⁺ impurity diffusion region 104^(a), causing the potential of then⁺ impurity diffusion region 104a to fall. As a result, the electriccharges induced by the capacitor electrode 106 opposing to the n⁺impurity diffusion region 104a are reduced. This state is stored in amemory cell as data of "0".

In recent years, with the improvement of the manufacturing technique,attempts have been made in highly integrating and miniaturizing a memorycell of a DRAM which is a semiconductor memory device. However, even ifa memory cell is miniaturized, a predetermined amount of electriccharges should be sufficiently stored as information in each memorycell. Therefore, the surface area occupied by a capacitor portion cannotbe smaller above a certain limit, which sets limits to miniaturizationof the DRAM. In addition, even if high integration of the memory cell isintended, a power consumed in an entire DRAM is large even though apower consumed in each memory cell is small.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to minimize the size of eachmemory cell in semiconductor memory device.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce power consumptionin a semiconductor memory device.

A further object of the present invention is to reduce power consumptionin a high density dynamic random access memory.

Still another object of the present invention is to manufacture a highdensity semiconductor memory device.

A still further object of the present invention is to manufacture a lowpower consumption semiconductor memory device.

A still further object of the present invention is to manufacture a highdensity and low power consumption dynamic random access memory.

A semiconductor memory device according to the present inventioncomprises a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, one andthe other impurity regions of a second conductivity type, a gateelectrode, a capacitor impurity region of the first conductivity typeand a capacitor electrode. The semiconductor layer of the firstconductivity type includes a first surface, and a second surface locatedopposite to the first surface. One and the other impurity regions areformed spaced apart from each other in the semiconductor layer so as todefine a channel region with a channel surface being a part of the firstsurface of the semiconductor layer. The gate electrode is formed on thechannel surface through a gate insulating film. The capacitor impurityregion is formed near the second surface of the semiconductor layer soas to oppose to the channel region and has a concentration higher thanthat of the semiconductor layer. The capacitor electrode is formed onthe capacitor impurity region through a dielectric film.

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory device according to thepresent invention comprises the following steps.

(a) Forming a gate electrode on a major surface of an insulation layer.

(b) Forming a gate insulating film on a surface of the gate electrode.

(c) Forming a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having afirst surface in contact with the major surface of the insulation layerand the surface of the gate insulating film, and a second surfacelocated opposite to the first surface.

(d) Forming one and the other impurity regions of a second conductivitytype located spaced apart from each other in the semiconductor layer soas to define a channel region with a channel surface being a part of thesemiconductor layer.

(e) Forming a capacitor impurity region of the first conductivity typehaving a concentration higher than that of the semiconductor layer so asto oppose to the channel region near the second surface of thesemiconductor layer.

(f) Forming a capacitor electrode on the capacitor impurity regionthrough a dielectric film.

In the present invention, a field effect transistor structured by oneand the other impurity regions of a second conductivity type and a gateelectrode is located on a first surface of a semiconductor layer of afirst conductivity type. A capacitor structured by a capacitor impurityregion of the first conductivity type and a capacitor electrode islocated on a second surface opposite to the first surface. Therefore,the surface area occupied by each memory cell comprising a field effecttransistor and a capacitor is smaller compared to that of a conventionalsemiconductor memory device. Accordingly, a memory cell can beminiaturized.

On the other hand, the capacitor impurity region is formed so as tooppose to a channel region of the field effect transistor, so thatelectric charges flowing into a depletion layer under the channel regionamong electrons and holes generated by impact ionization are stored inthe capacitor impurity region. Therefore, a larger amount of electriccharges generated by impact ionization can be stored in the capacitorimpurity region, even if the amount of a current flowing between theimpurity regions of the field effect transistor is small. Accordingly,the structure of the memory cell of the present invention serves forreduction of a power consumed in a data writing operation in a memorycell.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the semiconductormemory device comprises a semiconductor layer of a first conductivitytype, a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines and aplurality of memory cells. The semiconductor layer includes a firstsurface, and a second surface located opposite to the first surface. Theword lines are formed on the first surface and extend in a predetermineddirection. The bit lines are formed on the second surface and comprisesfirst and second bit lines extending in a direction intersecting withthe word lines. The memory cells are arranged at intersections betweenthe word lines and the bit lines. Each memory cell includes one and theother impurity regions of a second conductivity type, a gate electrode,a capacitor impurity region of the first conductivity type and acapacitor electrode. One and the other impurity regions of the secondconductivity type are formed spaced apart from each other in thesemiconductor layer so as to define a channel region with a channelsurface being a part of the first surface of the semiconductor layer.The gate electrode is formed on the channel surface through a gateinsulating film and connected to the word lines. The capacitor impurityregion is formed so as to oppose to the channel region near the secondsurface of the semiconductor layer and has an impurity concentrationhigher than that of the semiconductor layer. The capacitor electrode isformed on the capacitor impurity region through a dielectric film. Thefirst and second bit lines are connected to one and the other impurityregions, respectively. The second bit lines are connected to thecapacitor electrode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the semiconductor memory devicein accordance with the present invention, an insulation layer is formedon a first surface side of a semiconductor layer. A gate electrode isformed embedded in the insulation layer. One and the other electrodesare formed on the first surface so as to connect with one and the otherimpurity regions.

According to a preferred embodiment of a method of manufacturing asemiconductor memory device according to the present invention, the gateelectrode is formed by forming a concave portion on a major surface ofthe insulation layer and forming a conductor layer so as to fill in theconcave portion.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view showing a plane arrangement of a memorycell of a DRAM as a semiconductor memory device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectional view showing a section taken along aline II--II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view showing a section taken along aline III--III of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a memory cell accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing an arrangement of a capacitorelectrode and a capacitor diffusion region in a plane arrangement ofmemory cells according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a part of a memory cellarray having memory cells according to the present invention beingarranged in matrix.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a field intensity distribution in thedirection of channel length of an n channel field effect transistorhaving a channel length of 1μm.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I, 8J and 8K are partiallysectional views showing a sequential step of a method of manufacturing amemory cell of a DRAM according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing one example of an entire structure ofa conventional DRAM.

FIG. 10 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a memory cell of aconventional DRAM.

FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing a plane arrangement of a memorycell array portion of a conventional DRAM.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along a line XII--XII of FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, a silicon oxide film 2 as aninsulating layer is formed on a silicon substrate 1. Island-shaped ptype silicon layers 5 isolated from each other through an isolatingsilicon oxide film 8 are formed on the silicon oxide film 2. A planearrangement of the p type silicon layers 5 is shown as an arrangement ofregions occupied by a capacitor diffusion regions 5c shown by thehatched region in FIG. 5 First and second n⁺ impurity diffusion regions5a and 5b which will be source/drain regions are formed spaced apartfrom each other on an lower surface of the p type silicon layer 5.Source/drain electrodes 4a and 4b are formed in the silicon oxide film 2so as to be in contact with the n⁺ impurity diffusion regions 5a and 5b.Source/drain electrodes are formed to be shared by two n⁺ impuritydiffusion regions isolated through the silicon oxide film 8. A gateelectrode 3 is formed through a gate oxide film 21 on a lower surface ofa channel region defined by the n impurity diffusion regions 5a and 5b.The gate electrode 3 also serves as a word line. The capacitor diffusionregion 5c is formed opposing to the channel region, near an uppersurface of the p type silicon layer 5. The capacitor diffusion region 5cis formed as a p⁺ impurity region having an impurity concentrationhigher than that of the p type silicon layer 5. The capacitor diffusionregion 5c is formed in each memory cell insulated from each other by thesilicon oxide film 8. A capacitor electrode 6 is formed on the wholesurface so as to cover the capacitor diffusion region 5c. A capacitoroxide film 7 is interposed between the capacitor electrode 6 and thecapacitor diffusion region 5c. Although it is not shown in FIG. 1, thecapacitor electrodes 6 are electrically connected to the bit lines in aperipheral portion of the memory cell array region.

As shown in FIG. 3, a bit line 10a (10b) is electrically connected to asource electrode or a drain electrode 4b (4a) through a contactconductive layer 9. The contact conductive layer 9 is formed locating ina hole provided in the capacitor electrode 6. The source electrode orthe drain electrode 4b (4a) is connected to the contact conductive layer9 through a contact region 9b (9a).

Thus, a capacitor portion is formed on an upper surface side of thesilicon layer 5 and the field effect transistor is formed on a lowersurface side. Therefore, the area occupied by each memory cell can besmaller. In addition, while surface areas occupied by the n⁺ impuritydiffusion regions 5a and 5b corresponding to the source or drainelectrode 4a or 4b are reduced, region occupied by the capacitordiffusion region 5c is increased up to a maximum as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 4, an operation using a memory cell of the presentinvention will be described. First, in writing "1" operation, forexample, a voltage of 5V is applied to a bit line 301 (10a), and avoltage of 0V is applied to a bit line 302 (10b). A voltage of 5V isapplied to a word line 200 (3), thereby turning the field effecttransistor on. The potential of the n⁺ impurity diffusion region 5b isheld to a voltage of 5V through the drain electrode 4b connected to thebit line 301 (10a). On the other hand, the potential of the n⁺ impuritydiffusion region 5a is held to 0V through the source electrode 4aconnected to the bit line 302 (10b), so that electrons in the n⁺impurity diffusion region 5a flow into the n⁺ impurity diffusion region5b.

As a memory cell is miniaturized, especially in a MOS transistor havinga short channel length, an electric field in the direction of channellength is remarkably increased near a drain, if the drain voltage isincreased. Therefore, electrons accelerated by the strong electric fieldnear an end portion of the n⁺ impurity diffusion region 5b easily entera high energy state in the channel region. The electrons in the highenergy state collide with the lattice of silicons near the end portionof the drain region to generate a large amount of pairs of electrons andholes like an avalanche. This phenomenon is referred to as impactionization phenomenon. The electrons among the electrons and the holesgenerated by the impact ionization phenomenon are drawn to a high drainfield to flow into the drain region, which will be a part of the draincurrent. On the other hand, the holes are drawn back by the drain fieldto flow into the substrate side. Such phenomenon is observed not only ina short channel MOS transistor but also in a relatively long channel MOStransistor. Especially in the short channel MOS transistor, much largernumbers of electrons and holes are generated as compared with the longchannel MOS transistor. The holes flowing into the substrate side becomea part of the substrate current in a structure of a conventional memorycell.

However, in the structure of the memory cell shown in FIG. 2, since noelectrode exists on the substrate side of the MOS transistor, thesubstrate region of the MOS transistor is in a floating state.Therefore, the holes are stored in the p type silicon layer 5 as asubstrate region. The p⁺ capacitor diffusion region 5c having a holedensity higher than that near the source region is formed on thesubstrate region side. Accordingly, the holes flowing into the substrateregion side are absorbed into the capacitor diffusion region 5c, causingthe potential of the capacitor diffusion region 5c to rise, which isfollowed by the increase of electric charges induced into the capacitorelectrode 6 formed opposing to the capacitor diffusion region 5c. Thisstate is stored as the data "1" in a memory cell. Since the writingoperation utilizes the impact ionization phenomenon, a large number ofholes can be generated even if a writing signal is weak. Accordingly,the writing signal is amplified so that the writing operation can beperformed.

In writing "0" operation, a voltage of 0V is applied to the bit line 301(10a) and a voltage of 5V is applied to the bit line 302 (10b). Avoltage of 5V is applied to the word line 200. At this time, a positivepotential is provided to the capacitor electrode 6 through the bit line302, so that the holes stored in the capacitor diffusion region 5cmigrate into the p type silicon layer 5, causing a potential of the ptype silicon layer 5 to rise. A potential of the n⁺ impurity diffusionregion 5b is held to 0V through the bit line 301 (10a). Therefore, theholes in the p type silicon layer 5 flow to the n⁺ impurity diffusionregion 5b along a forward direction of the pn junction, wherein the nchannel MOS transistor is turned on. However, a potential of thecapacitor electrode 6 is also held to 5V through the bit line 302 (10b).Therefore, no holes are absorbed into the capacitor diffusion region 5c.

In reading operation, a voltage of 0V is applied to the bit line 301(10a) and a voltage of 5V is applied to the word line 200. At this time,it is determined by a potential appearing on the bit line 302 (10b)whether electric charges stored in the capacitor exist or not.

Referring to FIG. 6, note a memory cell M11. The memory cell M11comprises a field effect transistor Q11 and a capacitor Cs11. In writing"1"in this memory cell M11, a "high" potential is applied to the bitline BL11 and a "low" potential is applied to the bit line BL12. The"high" potential is applied to the word line WL1. As a result, the dataof "1" is stored in the capacitor Cs11, as the above described electriccharges are transferred. In addition, in the "0" writing operation, the"low" potential is applied to the bit line BL11 and the "high" potentialis applied to the bit line BL12. The "high" potential is applied to theword line WL1. Meanwhile, in the reading operation, the "low" potentialand the "high" potential are applied to the bit line BL11 and the wordline WL1, respectively. On this occasion, it is determined by apotential appearing on the bit line BL12 whether there exist or not theelectric charges stored in the capacitor.

Now description will be given to a principle of the structure of amemory cell according to the present invention which contributesreduction of a power consumption necessary for writing operation of datain the memory cell. Taking impact ionization by electrons as an example,the number of carriers generated by the impact ionization and the numberof carriers in the channel region which emigrate from the source regionto the drain region will be compared in the following.

Impact ionization rate α_(n) for electrons will be represented as thefollowing equation. The equation can be obtained following the article"Uniform Silicon p-n Junctions. II. Ionization Rates for Electrons" A.G. Chynoweth, Journal of Applied Physics Vol. 31, No. 7 (Jul., 1960).##EQU1## wherein α_(n) impact ionization rate (/cm)

E: field intensity (V/cm)

The number of carriers generated by the impact ionization will be givenby the following equation. (the number of carriers generated byionization) ##EQU2## wherein Jn: electronic current density

q: charge amount of electron (=1.6×10⁻¹⁹ c)

The electronic current density Jn will be given by the followingequation.

Jn=qnμEf=qnv (iii)

wherein

n: electron density (/cm³)

μ: electron mobility

Ef: gradient of quasi Fermi level

v: electron speed (cm/sec)

The electron density n will be represented as follows using the equation(iii). ##EQU3##

Now assuming that electrons migrate in the channel region at a speed ofv_(x) (cm/sec) per sec. from the source region to the drain region, thatis, in x direction, wherein the number N of electrons which migrate inthe channel region per second will be represented as the followingequation. ##EQU4##

Accordingly, the ratio M of the number of carriers generated by theimpact ionization to the number of electrons N migrating in the channelregion will be represented as the following equation. ##EQU5##

Now assuming that a channel length is 1μm, the following equation willbe dx=1×10⁻⁴ (cm), that is,

    M=α.sub.n ×10.sup.-4.

As a result, it can be seen that the impact ionization rate α_(n) shouldbe more than 10⁴ in order that the number of carriers generated by theimpact ionization is larger than that of the electrons emigrating in thechannel region. The field intensity E will be calculated as thefollowing by substituting α_(n) =1×10⁴ for the equation (i). ##EQU6##

From the value of the field intensity E, it will be understood that inan n channel field effect transistor having a channel length of 1 μm,the amount of carriers generated by the impact ionization will be largerthan the number of electrons migrating in the channel region when adrain voltage is applied such that the maximum field intensity will be3×10⁵ (V/cm) or more.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a field intensity distribution of an n channelfield effect transistor having a channel length of 1μm in the directionof channel length. The field intensity distribution is obtained from theresult of simulation. According to the graph, it is shown that thefollowing equation will be given near a drain edge on the condition thatthe drain voltage Vd is 5V and the gate voltage Vg is 5V.

    Emax>300 (kV/cm)=3×105 (V/cm).

Accordingly, when the channel length is 1μm or less, the number ofcarriers generated by the impact ionization will be larger than thenumber of carriers migrating in the channel region. In the presentinvention, the carriers generated by the impact ionization will beelectric charges stored in the capacitor. Therefore, more electriccharges can be stored in the capacitor than the electric charges by thecarriers in a conventional channel region when the same voltage isapplied. This means that using the impact ionization phenomenon, a largeamount of electric charges can be generated to be stored in thecapacitor even if the amount of currents flowing between the source anddrain regions of the field effect transistor is small. As a result, thestructure of the memory cell of the present invention can contribute tothe reduction of a power consumption required for writing operation ofdata in the memory cell.

FIGS. 8A to 8K are partially sectional views showing a sequential stepof one example of a method of manufacturing a memory cell of a DRAMaccording to the present invention. Referring to these FIGURES, themethod of manufacturing the memory cell of the present invention will bedescribed in the following. The description of the manufacturing methodwill be given for a single memory cell.

First, referring to FIG. 8A, a thick silicon oxide film 2 is formed on amajor surface of a silicon substrate 1. The oxide film is formed by thechemical vapor deposition method (CVD method) or the themal oxidationprocess.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a polycrystalline silicon layer 40 in which n typeimpurities on the order of 2.0×10 ²⁰ cm³ are doped is formed on thesilicon oxide film 2 using the CVD method.

Referring to FIG. 8C, a silicon nitride film 11 is formed in apredetermined region of the n type polycrystalline silicon layer 40. Theoxidation process is performed on the whole surface using the siliconnitride film 11 as a mask, thereby forming a silicon oxide film 42formed by oxidation of the polycrystalline silicon in the region notcovered with the silicon nitride film 11. The region covered with thesilicon nitride film 11 remains the n type polycrystalline silicon layer41.

As shown in FIG. 8D, the n type polycrystalline silicon layer 41 isremoved by etching using patterned silicon nitride films 11a and 11b asmasks. Thereafter, silicon oxide films 42a and 42b are formed on sidesurfaces of n type polycrystalline silicon layers 4a and 4b by thethermal oxidation process using the silicon nitride film 11a and 11b asmask.

As shown in FIG. 8E, a polycrystalline silicon layer 30 in which n typeimpurities are doped is deposited so as to fill in a concave portion ofthe silicon oxide film 2.

As shown in FIG. 8F, the n type polycrystalline silicon layer 30 isselectively removed by etch-back. At this time, an end point of theetching of the n type polycrystalline silicon layer 30 is set such thatit is a little more etched from the surfaces of the silicon nitridefilms 11a and 11b. Since the silicon nitride film is more immune frometching than the polycrystalline silicon layer, the n typepolycrystalline silicon layers 4a and 4b which are already formed areprotected by the silicon nitride films 11a and 11b without being etched.Thus a gate electrode 3 having a gate length on the order of 1μm,source/drain electrodes 4a and 4b are formed.

Referring to FIG. 8G, a gate oxide film 21 is formed to have a filmthickness on the order of 200Å on the gate electrode 3.

Referring to FIG. 8H, the silicon nitride films 11a and 11b on thesource/drain electrodes 4a and 4b are removed by etching.

Referring to FIG. 8I, a p type silicon layer 5 is formed to have a filmthickness more than 1μm on a whole surface of the silicon oxide film 2.The silicon layer is formed due to single-crystallization by the laserannealing after deposition of the polycrystalline silicon layer. The ptype silicon layer 5 is monocrystallized with its direction aligned withthe silicon substrate 1 by using the silicon substrate 1 as a seed.Thereafter, ions of the p type impurity are injected in a directionindicated by an arrow in order to control a threshold voltage, so that ap⁺ silicon region 51 is formed in the p type silicon layer 5. Impurityconcentration of the p type silicon layer 5 is on the order of 3×10¹⁶/cm³.

As shown in FIG. 8J, a p⁺ silicon layer 52 as a capacitor diffusionregion is formed so as to have a film thickness on the order of 0.3μm onor in an upper portion of the p type silicon layer 5 by ion injection orepitaxial growth method. Impurity concentration of this type siliconlayer 52 is on the order of 10¹⁸ /cm³.

Referring to FIG. 8K, a capacitor oxide film 7 having a film thicknessof 70Å is formed on a capacitor diffusion region 5c. A capacitorelectrode 6 is formed so as to have a width of about 3μm incorrespondence with the capacitor diffusion region 5c on the capacitoroxide film 7. N⁺ impurity diffusion regions 5a and 5b which will besource/drain regions are formed such that they have depth of about 0.2μmand an impurity concentration on the order of 10²⁰ /cm³ due to a thermaldiffusion of the n type impurities from the source/drain electrodes 4aand 4b into the p type silicon layer 5 by a series of heat treatment,for example, heat treatment at the temperature of 900° C. for 30minutes, completing a memory cell according to the present invention.

In the above embodiments, although a description is given for an examplein which the field effect transistor is arranged under the p typesilicon layer 5 and the capacitor is arranged on the p type siliconlayer 5, the field effect transistor and the capacitor may be changed inan arrangement.

In addition, although in the above described embodiments, the memorycell is structured by an n channel field effect transistor, it may bestructured by a p channel field effect transistor in an oppositeconductive manner.

As the foregoing, according to the present invention, the surface areaoccupied by each memory cell comprising a field effect transistor and acapacitor becomes small, so that the memory cell can be miniaturized.

In addition, since the electric charges are stored in the capacitorusing the impact ionization phenomenon, the writing operation of data inthe memory cell can be performed even if the amount of currents flowingbetween one and the other impurity regions of the field effecttransistor is small. As a result, the structure of the memory cellaccording to the present invention can contribute to a reduction ofpower consumption.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor memory device comprising:asemiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having a first surface,and a second surface located opposite to the first surface; first andsecond impurity regions of a second conductivity type formed spacedapart from each other in said semiconductor layer so as to define achannel region with a channel surface being a part of the first surfaceof said semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed on said channelsurface through a gate insulating film; a capacitor impurity region ofthe first conductivity type formed opposing to said channel region, inthe second surface of said semiconductor layer and having aconcentration higher than that of said semiconductor layer; and acapacitor electrode formed on said capacitor impurity region through adielectric film.
 2. A semiconductor memory device according to claim 1,further comprising an insulation layer formed on the first surface sideof said semiconductor layer.
 3. A semiconductor memory device accordingto claim 2, wherein said gate electrode comprises a gate electrodeembedded in said insulation layer.
 4. A semiconductor memory deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising first and second electrodesformed on said first surface and being in respective contact with saidfirst and second impurity regions.
 5. A semiconductor memory deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a first interconnection layerformed so as to be connected with said first impurity region and asecond interconnection layer formed so as to be connected with saidsecond impurity region.
 6. A semiconductor memory device according toclaim 5, wherein said capacitor electrode is connected to said secondinterconnection layer.
 7. A semiconductor memory device according toclaim 5, wherein said first and second interconnection layers are formedon the second surface of said semiconductor layer, and said first andsecond interconnection layers are connected to said first and secondimpurity regions, respectively, through a conductive layer formedextending from said first surface to said second surface.
 8. A dynamicrandom access memory device, comprising:a semiconductor layer of a firstconductivity type having a first surface and being maintained in anelectrically floating state; source and drain impurity regions of asecond conductivity type spaced apart from each other in the firstsurface of said semiconductor layer so as to define a channel regiontherebetween; a gate electrode formed on said channel region through agate insulating film; a capacitor impurity region of the firstconductivity type having a concentration region higher than that of saidsemiconductor layer and formed opposing said channel region in on asecond surface thereof; and a capacitor electrode formed on saidcapacitor impurity region through a dielectric film, wherein saidcapacitor impurity region absorbs free holes/electrons of freeelectron-hole pairs formed by the interaction of hot electrons/holeswith a lattice structure of the semiconductor layer when potentials areapplied to the source and drain impurity regions sufficient to produce aflow of hot electrons/holes in the channel region.
 9. A memory cellhaving a single transistor and a single capacitor, comprising:a pair ofsource drain regions of the transistor having one conductivity typeformed spaced apart on one surface of a semiconductor layer having anopposite conductivity type and defining a channel region therebetween; agate electrode formed on the one surface of said semiconductor layerthrough a gate insulator; a first electrode of the capacitor having ahigher concentration than that of said semiconductor layer, formedopposing said channel region in a second surface of said semiconductorlayer; and a second electrode of the capacitor formed through aninsulator opposing said first electrode.
 10. An MOS transistor,comprising:a silicon substrate; an insulator formed on said siliconsubstrate; a gate electrode embedded in said insulator; a semiconductorlayer having one conductivity type, formed on said gate electrode andhaving first and second surfaces opposing each other; a pair of sourceand drain regions having the opposite conductivity type than that ofsaid semiconductor layer, formed spaced apart on the first surface ofthe semiconductor layer and defining a channel region therebetween, saidgate electrode formed on said channel region through said insulator; anda carrier trap region formed in said second surface of saidsemiconductor layer on said channel region and having said oneconductivity of a higher concentration than that of said semiconductorlayer.
 11. An MOS transistor, comprising;a silicon substrate; aninsulator formed on said silicon substrate; a semiconductor layer of oneconductivity type, formed on said insulator and having first and secondsurfaces; a carrier trap region formed in said first surface of saidsemiconductor layer and having said one conductivity type of a higherconcentration than that of said semiconductor layer; a pair of sourceand drain regions formed on said second surface of said semiconductorlayer and being of opposite conductivity type than that of saidsemiconductor layer; and a gate electrode formed through a gateinsulator between the pair of source and drain regions on the secondsurface of said semiconductor layer.
 12. An MOS transistor, comprising;asilicon substrate; an insulator formed on said silicon substrate; asemiconductor layer of one conductivity type, formed on said insulatorand having upper and lower opposing surfaces; a carrier trap regionformed in the upper surface of said semiconductor layer and having saidone conductivity type of a higher concentration than that of saidsemiconductor layer; a pair of source and drain regions formed on thelower surface of said semiconductor layer and being of oppositeconductivity type than that of said semiconductor layer; and a gateelectrode formed through a gate insulator between the pair of source anddrain regions on the lower surface of said semiconductor layer.